The Boston Celtics wanted veteran combo guard Keyon Dooling to return. The fact is when rookie Fab Melo asked for his college number 51 which is what Dooling wore last year, the team told him that number was not ready to be handed to someone else just yet showing Boston helod out hope that Dooling would return. The fact is Dooling also wanted to return. Dooling loved his time in Boston and enjoyed the locker room leadership role that he had. This is why it is no surprise that Dooling has agreed to return to Boston on a veteran minimum deal.

This believe it or not is a big move for Boston. I am not going to say that Dooling’s numbers of four points and one assists in fourteen minutes a night are a huge deal to try and replace should he go elsewhere. However, Dooling’s value to Boston is in that leadership role that he relished. Team chemistry is huge in the NBA. The Celtics lacked it in 2011 according to Doc Rivers. In 2012 they had it and Dooling was a big part of having a great tight knit group that hung together despite any adversity. The veteran is one of the few guys that has Rajon Rondo‘s ear and did a great job of pushing him in practice and advising him throughout the year. Rondo credits a lot of his game growing because of Dooling’s mentoring. It is not just with Rondo, but the other guys loved him. Dooling was the unofficial leader of the bench that each night at least one made a huge contribution during Boston’s playoff drive that nearly saw them beat Miami.

Dooling can also play a bit too. He knows the offense and can shoot from long range or make the right pass. If left unattended on the offensive end, he can hurt you. The fact is he knows his role as fourth guard on the depth chart and if an injury occurs he can step in and provide solid minutes. This means Dooling is a solid pickup. Stay tuned for more off season moves from Boston. Remember Go Green Or Go Home!!!!!